U.S. patent application number 13/857486 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for cupcake secret.
This patent application is currently assigned to Global Concepts Limited, Inc., dba Global TV Concepts Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Global Concepts Limited, Inc., dba Global TV Concepts Ltd.. Invention is credited to Laurie Braden.
Application Number | 20130224350 13/857486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48797419 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130224350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Braden; Laurie |
August 29, 2013 |
CUPCAKE SECRET
Abstract
A baking apparatus and method is disclosed that includes at
least one baking cup configured to receive a first product and an
interior baking, structure configured to suspend a second product
within the first product. The interior baking structure may be a
peg to suspend an item during baking, or a hollowing structure
configured to create a hollow portion in the first product. The
bottom of the baking cup may also include an aperture, which is
removably covered while baking. A riser may also be provided
configured to expel baked products from the pan by lining the riser
up with the aperture to push the products out of the pan.
Inventors: |
Braden; Laurie; (Boca Raton,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Concepts Ltd.; Global Concepts Limited, Inc., dba Global
TV |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Global Concepts Limited, Inc., dba
Global TV Concepts Ltd.
Deerfield Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
48797419 |
Appl. No.: |
13/857486 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13358171 |
Jan 25, 2012 |
|
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13857486 |
|
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61585410 |
Jan 11, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/280 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 27/002 20130101;
A21D 8/06 20130101; A21B 3/137 20130101; A21B 3/132 20130101; A21B
5/02 20130101; A47J 37/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/280 |
International
Class: |
A21D 8/06 20060101
A21D008/06; A47J 27/00 20060101 A47J027/00 |
Claims
1. A method of baking, comprising: providing a baking pan
comprising: a main support structure; at least one baking cup
disposed within the main support structure, the baking cup
comprising a sidewall and a: bottom, the baking cup configured to
receive a first product; and an interior baking structure
configured to suspend a second product within the first
product.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: placing the second
product upon the interior baking structure; placing the first
product within the at least one baking cup thereby surrounding the
second product; and heating the baking pan.
3. The method of claim l, wherein the interior baking structure
comprises an interior hollowing structure configured to create a
hollow portion in the first product, and the method further
comprises: placing the first product within the at least one baking
cup; placing the interior hollowing structure within the first
product; heating the baking pan; removing the interior hollowing
structure from the first product; and placing a second product
within the hollow portion in the first product.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the baking cup
comprises an aperture, and the method further comprises providing a
riser sized to be received in the aperture, and placing the riser
underneath the baking pan such that the riser is aligned with the
aperture on the bottom of the baking cup, and bringing the riser
and baking pan together thereby expelling the first product from
the baking pan.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the main support structure
further comprises a top surface and at least one steam cup disposed
within the top surface, and the method further comprises pouring
liquid into the steam cup.
6. A method of baking, comprising: providing a baking pan
comprising: a main support structure; at least one baking cup
disposed within the main support structure, the baking cup
comprising a sidewall, a bottom, and an aperture in the bottom; and
a base configured to fit within the at least one baking cup;
positioning, the base within the at least one baking cup so that
the base engages the bottom of the at least one baking cup and
covers the aperture in the bottom of the at least one baking cup;
placing a product within the at least one baking cup; and heating,
the baking pan to bake the product.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the sidewall of the at least one
baking cup defines an upper end and a lower end, and me bottom of
the at least one baking cup is attached to the lower end of the
sidewall, and with the bottom of the at least one baking cup being
further defined by an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein
the base is defined by an upper surface and a lower surface, and
the base is positioned with the lower surface of the base being in
engagement with the upper surface of the bottom of the at least one
baking cup, the method further comprising: exerting a force upon
the lower surface of the base in order move the base from
engagement with the bottom of the at least one baking cup and in a
direction of the upper end of the sidewall in order to expel the
baked product from the at least one baking cup.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising providing a riser
sized to be received in the aperture, and placing the riser
underneath the baking pan such that the riser is aligned with the
aperture on the bottom of the baking cup, and bringing the riser
and baking an together so that the riser contacts the tower surface
of the base and moves the base in a direction of the upper end of
the sidewall thereby expelling the product from the at least one
baking cup.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the riser comprises at least one
of a finger of a user or a separate component.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing a baking
pan comprising a plurality of baking cups.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a baking apparatus and
method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an
apparatus and method for baking products, such as cupcakes, pies
and the like.
[0002] Cupcakes and pies are common food items sold in stores and
made at home. Often, cupcakes, pies and the like may include
various fillings such as fruit, cookie dough, frosting, whipped
cream and the like. However, providing cupcakes and pies with
filling can be challenging. For example, it can be difficult to
provide the desired filling at the desired location within the
cupcake or pie. Moreover, adding the filling after baking prolongs
the manufacturing process and food is also wasted as the cupcake or
pie may need to be hollowed to place filling inside.
[0003] It is also challenging to remove the cupcake or pie from the
baking pan. If the pan is inverted, the cupcake or pie may fall out
and lose shape, topping or filling. If the cupcake or pie is
removed with a knife or similar object, the cupcake or pie shape or
filling may be compromised.
SUMMARY
[0004] In view of the challenges involved with current baking
devices and methods, there exists a need to provide an apparatus
and method for easily baking cupcakes, pies and the like with a
filling, and also removing baked products from a pan.
[0005] In one example, a baking pan includes a main support
structure and at least one baking cup disposed within the main
support structure. The baking cup includes a sidewall and a bottom
and is configured to receive a first product, for example, cupcake
mix. The main support structure may further include a top surface
and a steam cup disposed within the top surface to help moisten the
product while baking.
[0006] The baking pan may also include an interior baking structure
configured to suspend a second product within the first product.
This interior baking structure may be a peg to suspend an item
during baking, for example, a piece of chocolate within the baking
mix. Alternatively, the interior baking structure may be a
hollowing structure configured to create a hollow portion in the
first product. For example, a tube with an empty top may be
suspended within the cake mix to allow the product to bake with a
hole, which is filled after baking with, for example, cold whipped
cream.
[0007] The bottom of the baking cup may also include an aperture in
its bottom, which is removably covered while baking. A riser may
also be provided configured to expel baked products from the pan by
lining the riser up with the aperture to push the products out of
the pan.
[0008] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure
will become apparent from the detailed description given
hereinafter and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of
illustration only, and thus not to be considered limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a baking pan that
includes a peg and a hollowing structure;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an interior baking
structure that includes a peg, a pin, a block and a base;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an interior baking
structure that includes a base, a peg and a hollowing
structure;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a baking pan that
includes apertures in the bottom of the baking cups; and
[0013] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a riser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like
elements, there is shown various exemplary embodiments of a baking
apparatus. Referring to FIG. 1, a baking pan 10 includes a main
support structure 12, and at least one baking cup 14 disposed
within the main support structure 12, The baking cup 14 includes a
sidewall 16 and a bottom 18. The baking cup 14 is configured to
receive a first product, for example, a cupcake mix. The baking cup
14 may be of any desired size and/or configuratiom. For example, in
FIG. 1, the baking cup 14 is generally cylindrical in
configuration. In addition, while six (6) baking cups 14 are
illustrated in FIG. 1, it should he understood that any desired
number of baking cups 14 may be provided.
[0015] The baking pan 10 may also include an interior baking
structure. One exemplary embodiment of an interior baking structure
is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 at number 20, while another
exemplary embodiment of an interior baking structure is illustrated
in FIG. 2 at number 200. The interior baking structure may be
configured to create a cavity within the first product, and into
which a second product may be provided, and/or to suspend a second
product within the first product, for example, an object used as a
filling. The interior baking structure can have various
configurations. The interior baking structure may also allow for
the second product to be placed in various locations within the
baking cup 14. For example, the interior baking structure may be
configured so as to place the second product in the vicinity of the
upper half of the baking cup 14, and at a location to allow the
first product to substantially surround the second product, as
described in more detail herein. As should be understood, however,
the interior baking structure may operate to place the second
product at any desired location.
[0016] For example and referring to FIG. 2, the embodiment of the
interior baking structure 200 may include a peg 122, a pin 136, a
block 138 including an aperture sized to receive the pin, and a
base 124 shaped to fit within the at least one baking cup 14. This
configuration allows for the placement of the second product upon
the pin 136 and/or peg 122, in order for the second product to be
used as a filling during baking. The components of the interior
baking structure 200 may be of any desired size or configuration.
For example, in the current illustration, the peg 122 is generally
elongated and cylindrical in shape, and the block 138 and base 124
are both circular in shape (with the diameter of block 138 being
less than that of the base 124). The interior baking structure 200
is also removable in the current illustration from the at least one
baking cup 14, although in other variations this may be a fixed
structure.
[0017] Another embodiment of the interior baking structure is shown
in FIG. 3. The interior baking, structure 20 in FIG. 3 includes a
peg 22 and a base 24 along with an interior hollowing structure 26
configured to create a hollow cavity portion in the first product.
Although not shown, a pin similar to the pin 138 may he provided,
and located at the top of the peg 22. The interior hollowing
structure 26 may be of any desired size or configuration, which in
the present illustration includes a sidewall 28, a base 30 and an
open top 32. In the present embodiment, the interior hollowing
structure 26 is generally cylindrical in configuration. The
interior hollowing structure 26 may farther include an aperture 34,
which is generally circular in the present example, although it
should be understood that other shapes may he provided. The
aperture 34 is sized in the present embodiment to receive a portion
of the peg 22. For example, the generally cylindrical shaped peg 22
may be received into the circular shaped aperture 22. The interior
hollowing structure 26 is removable from the at least one baking
cup 14 in the present example.
[0018] Although not shown, the interior hollowing structure 26 may
also be utilized with the interior baking structure 200 in FIG. 2.
For example, the block 138 may be utilized where desired for safety
to protect users from the pin 136. The block 138 may also be
utilized where desired as a base for the interior hollowing
structure 26. As such, the interior hollowing structure 26 may rest
on the block 138 instead of the peg 122.
[0019] Referring to the interior baking structure 20 in FIG. 3,
during an exemplary baking process, the first product (i.e.,
batter) may be place or poured within the at least one baking cup
14 and filled to a level in order to surround a portion of or the
entirety of the interior hollowing structure 26. The first product
may then be baked so that the finished product is included with a
hollow cavity portion, and which would allow for a second product
to be added within the hollow portion either during or after
baking.
[0020] In other examples not shown, the interior hollowing
structure 26 may also be used without the peg 22 and/or the base 24
to create a hollow portion in the first product. In the illustrated
embodiment, the at least one baking cup 14 may be filled with the
first product and the interior hollowing structure 26 placed within
the first product allowing the first product to bake with a hollow
cavity. This allows for a second product to be added within the
hollow portion either during and/or after baking.
[0021] Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the main support structure
12 may further include a top surface 40 and at least one steam cup
42 disposed within the top surface. In the current example, the
steam cup 42 is generally cylindrical in shape, although any other
desired shapes may also be utilized, and there are two (2) steam
cups 42. The steam cup 42 allows for the addition of a liquid, for
example water, during the baking process to moisten the first
and/or second product during baking.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, the bottom 18 of the baking cup
14 may include an aperture 44, which is generally circular in
configuration, although it should be understood that an desired
shape or size for aperture 44 may be utilized. For example, the
aperture 44 may facilitate removal of the interior baking structure
20 from the at least one baking cup 14 after a product has been
baked, for example, by allowing a user to push the interior baking
structure 20 with his or her finger. The baking pan 10 may further
include an optional riser 4 configured to expel the baked product
from the baking cup 14. The riser 46 includes a riser main support
structure 48 and a bump 50. The bump 50 is cylindrical in shape in
this example, although may be of any desired size or configuration.
When baking, the aperture 44 is covered by for example, the base 24
of the interior baking structure 20. After baking, the bump 50 of
the riser 46 may be aligned and inserted into the aperture 44 to
expel the products.
[0023] The baking pan 10 may be used to bake any food product,
including but not limited to cupcakes and pies. As such, the baking
cup 14 may be different shapes to accommodate cupcakes, pies or
other products. The baking cup 14 may also be configured into a
decorative shape. The baking pan 10 may be made of any suitable
materials, including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, tin,
silicone and the like. Pliable materials such as silicone may
facilitate the removal of a baked product from the baking pan 10
and/or any one of its components.
[0024] Turning now to the methods of baking, a baking pan may be
provided that encompasses any of the above embodiments. With the
interior baking structure 200 that includes the peg 22, pin 36,
block 38 and base 24 configuration, a second product may be placed
on the peg 22, or the pin 36 inserted into the second product to
help retain the second product in position. The second product, for
example, chocolate, may be suspended or otherwise positioned by the
peg 22, or the pin 36, within the at least one baking cup 14. Then,
the first product (i.e. batter) may be placed within the at least
one baking cup 14 and filled to any desired level, such as to
surround the second product. The baking pan 10 can then be heated,
for example in an oven, for baking.
[0025] In addition, in situations where the interior hollowing
structure 26 would also be utilized, the interior hollowing
structure 26 may be placed upon the block 38 either before or after
adding the first product to the at least one baking cup 14. Then,
the first product may be added if not done so, and the first
product may be baked. After baking, the interior hollowing
structure 26 may be removed thereby leaving a hollow portion in the
first product. The hollow portion may be filled with a second
product. Alternatively, the interior hollowing structure 26 may be
filled with a second product during baking so that the second
product bakes concurrently with the first product, but stays apart
from the first product.
[0026] In situations where the interior hollowing structure 26 may
also include the Aperture 34, the aperture 34 may receive a portion
of the peg 22, such that the interior hollowing structure 26 is
seated on the peg 22. The first product may then be added to
surround the peg 22 and interior hollowing structure 26 thereby
creating a hollow portion in the first product. After baking, the
interior hollowing structure 26 may be removed thereby leaving a
hollow portion. The hollow portion may be filled with a second
product. Alternatively, the interior hollowing structure 26 may be
filled with a second product during baking so that the second
product bakes concurrently with the first product, but stays apart
from the first product. Further, the peg 22 and interior hollowing
structure 26 ma be one integral piece where desired.
[0027] As noted above, the bottom 14 of the baking pan 10 and the
baking cup 14 may include an aperture 44. A riser 46 may also be
provided and configured to expel the first and second product from
the baking cup 14. The riser 46 includes a riser main support
structure 48 and a bump 50. This method is done by baking the
product or products and then placing the riser 46 underneath the
baking pan 10 such that the bump 50 on the riser 46 is aligned with
the aperture 44 on the bottom 14 of the baking cup 14. Then, the
riser 46 and baking pan 10 are brought together thereby expelling
the first product from the baking pan 10. Normally, the aperture 44
would be separated from the product by an interior baking structure
20, such as for example, the base 20 of an interior baking
structure 20. Then, the bump 50 would contact the base 20 and push
substantially the entire bottom of the baked first product up out
of the baking cup 14.
[0028] As discussed above and shown in FIGS.. 1 and 4, the main
support structure 12 of the baking pan 10 may include a top surface
40 and at least one steam cup 42 disposed within the top surface
40. The method of baking includes pouring liquid into the steam cup
42 prior to heating the baking pan 10. This liquid will evaporate
during heating thereby moistening the products in the baking pan
10.
[0029] The foregoing examples are provided merely for the purpose
of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting. While
reference to various embodiments is shown, the words used herein
are words of description and illustration, rather than words of
limitation. Further, although reference to particular means,
materials, and embodiments are shown, there is no limitation to the
particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the embodiments extend to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *